What is the balanced equation for the reaction of lithium metal with fluorine gas? Li ( s ) + F ( g ) → LiF ( s ) Li ( s ) + F 2 ( g ) → LiF ( s ) 2 Li ( s ) + F 2 ( g ) → 2 LiF ( s ) Li ( s ) + F 2 ( g ) → LiF
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between lithium metal (Li) and fluorine gas (F₂) is:
2 Li (s) + F₂ (g) → 2 LiF (s)
Explanation:
In this reaction, lithium (Li) is a highly reactive alkali metal, and fluorine (F₂) is a halogen, which is the most electronegative element. When these two elements react, lithium donates one electron to fluorine, leading to the formation of an ionic compound, lithium fluoride (LiF).
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
- Lithium as a Reactant:
Lithium is an alkali metal with the atomic number 3. It has one valence electron in its outer shell (1s² 2s¹), making it highly reactive and eager to lose this electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration, similar to helium (1s²). - Fluorine as a Reactant:
Fluorine exists naturally as a diatomic molecule, F₂. Each fluorine atom has seven valence electrons (2s² 2p⁵), and it needs one more electron to complete its outer shell and achieve the stable electron configuration of neon (2s² 2p⁶). - Ionic Bond Formation:
In the reaction, each lithium atom donates one electron to a fluorine atom. This transfer of electrons results in the formation of two ions:
- Li⁺ ion (positively charged, as it loses an electron)
- F⁻ ion (negatively charged, as it gains an electron) These oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming an ionic bond, resulting in the formation of lithium fluoride (LiF).
- Balancing the Equation:
- Fluorine gas exists as F₂, meaning two fluorine atoms are involved in the reaction.
- To balance the lithium atoms on both sides, we need two lithium atoms to react with one F₂ molecule, resulting in two LiF molecules.
Thus, the balanced equation is:
2 Li (s) + F₂ (g) → 2 LiF (s)
This equation shows that two lithium atoms react with one molecule of fluorine gas to form two units of lithium fluoride.